Additional Links

Nuggets counting on altitude, fatigue factor vs LA

DENVER (AP) - The upstart Denver Nuggets have crept back into their series with the Los Angeles Lakers by outrunning and outgunning their older opponents.

Leading the way in Game 5 was the savvy Andre Miller and the raw, athletic JaVale McGee, whose mind-boggling athleticism and array of dunks made L.A.'s two 7-footers look like they were moving in slow motion.

Now, it's back to Denver, where the mile-high altitude can be a fatigue factor, especially for teams long in the tooth like the star-studded Lakers.

Nuggets coach George Karl counts on the altitude helping the Nuggets contain Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. He said there's wear and tear at 5,280 feet even if visitors downplay it or even deny it.

Game 6 is Thursday in Denver.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)